How to Survive Your New Solo Career…or Something like It

Having a band is great but sometimes things just fall apart. If you’re ever thinking of going solo, just how do you go about it? That’s what we’ll be discussing today.

What is going “solo”?

Most musicians start out as part of a group. There’s always been a sort of security in a group—its pretty much hardcoded into our DNA. While it would be great to be surrounded by a supportive bunch that has the same dream as you, sometimes it just doesn’t work out. Harmony in the group disintegrates.

Going solo is the decision a musician makes seriously. You still want to be a musician, right? Who says you have to stay in a place where you feel you’ve reached your full growth potential? Just like when shellfish shed their old homes in order to grow larger, that’s pretty much what going solo is. You leave the past behind and you strive forward, blazing your own path in an already precarious industry.

Going solo isn’t going to be a cakewalk. Scientists have actually found that going solo can be hazardous to your health. The pressure is higher. You no longer have the safety net of a band member stepping up when you slip up over anything. Everything is going to be on your shoulders and that’s it.

So if you’ve made the brave decision to go solo, how do you survive it? Here is a solid tip from someone who has been down that path: Jizzy Pearl.

Do You

One of the primary things that mess you up as an artist is all the bad energy that you bring with from your old band. No matter how tightly knit your band was, when you’re dealing with a creative bunch, it is inevitable that fights are going to break out. Artists don’t usually go solo until either of two things occurs: they have a huge fight with their band or they just decide to try it out on their own. Either one will leave a bit of negative energy in the air.

Either way, it is going to be draining like no one’s business. With that said, once you decide to go solo, it is important to take care of your own needs first. Go on a vacation, cut off connection from those that wish to drag you down, pick up a temporary hobby—whatever it takes just to recuperate your drive and your energy.

There’s no sense in trying your hand in making new music if you seriously have nothing left in the tank. You’re just setting yourself up for failure and that’s going to hurt you further—as a person and as an artist. Going solo means that you’re taking a break from the entire BS parade that used to dim your possibilities.

Taking care of yourself in the ways YOU think are best is what you should prioritize. It doesn’t matter if it doesn’t make sense to other people. Look out for number 1 and everything else will follow.